Chris Paterson, the deadliest kicker at this year's Rugby World Cup, will make his eagerly-awaited debut for Guinness Premiership leaders Gloucester against London Irish on Sunday.

The Scotland international, who returned home from France with a 100% record with the boot, will wear the number 14 shirt for his Premiership bow at the Madejski Stadium as Gloucester hunt their sixth successive victory.

"I am delighted to be able to select a guy of Chris Paterson's quality," said coach Dean Ryan.

"We know what he brings to the group in terms of his knowledge and understanding of the game and has a mountain of experience as an international-quality player. He is fantastically reliable and able to play in a number of positions."

Gloucester are also boosted by the presence of two other World Cup heroes - Italy captain Marco Bortolami and freescoring Fiji flanker Akapusi Qera - as they seek to build on their impressive start to the season.

"We have taken our time to integrate some of our returning World Cup players but we were keen to get Chris and Akapusi some game time and view this is a good opportunity for them against opponents who have been tough to beat for us in recent years," added Ryan.

"I am sure London Irish have not made the start they were hoping for but they have the majority of the squad still together from last season and we have a lot of respect for how they approach the game and what they want to achieve.

"We are expecting a kick-back from their performance last weekend and we will have to respond in the right way - we are looking forward to the occasion - it is a great place to play and a big game for us."

Newcastle director of rugby John Fletcher admits he is taking a gamble by selecting flying Dutchman Tim Visser for the visit of Bath to Kingston Park on Sunday.

The 20-year-old Visser, who weighs 17st, gets his first start of the season at centre at the expense of Adam Dehaty.

"There's no denying it is a bit of a risk chucking Tim in at outside centre with relatively little senior experience there but he is a big, talented kid who makes things happen," said Fletcher.

"He takes some serious stopping when he gets that glint in his eye and spots an attacking opportunity.

"He can do things that other players can't and I look forward to watching him this weekend."

In Sunday's other game, Leeds will look to build on their first win of the season when they visit Bristol.

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